| 'Wild Thing' all smiles after solid start | South China Morning Post
John Daly's eyes lit up as two cans of Diet Coke were placed in front of him at his first meeting with the media in Hong Kong yesterday. He was also happy as it had been a good morning for him - and could have been even better if he hadn't dropped two shots at the last two holes. Playing for the first time in a month, Daly showed few signs of rust as he carded a two-under-par 68 to begin his comeback quest in some style. The big-hitting American hopes this is the start of his climb back up the rankings.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Terry salutes inspired Capello regime | South China Morning Post
England captain John Terry believes his side's 2-1 friendly victory over Germany proves just how far the team have come under the guidance of manager Fabio Capello. Terry headed home England's winner after 83 minutes at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. But it was the confident and controlled nature of his team's performance - despite missing seven key players including Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand - that will have the world's top teams taking notice.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| HK's amateurs show the professionals how it's done | South China Morning Post
Fourteen-year-old Jason Hak Shun-yat and Roderick Staunton were left flying the flag on a day Hong Kong's amateurs outshone their professional counterparts. Both Hak and Staunton fired level-par rounds of 70 to lie right on the projected cut line in a share of 47th place.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Honduras, Mexico advance to final round | South China Morning Post
Honduras defeated Mexico 1-0 in San Pedro Sula with the help of an own goal to advance in World Cup qualifying at the expense of Jamaica. Jamaica defeated Canada 3-0 but it wasn't enough to put them through to the next round of qualifying in the North, Central America and Caribbean Zone. Mexico also advanced to the final round despite the loss to Honduras, who were battling for one of the three spots up for grabs. Trinidad and Tobago grabbed the other spot after a 3-0 victory over Cuba. The United States, Costa Rica and El Salvador had already clinched their berths.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Terry sees off Rockets | South China Morning Post
The way Jason Terry was shooting, the Dallas Mavericks hardly needed Josh Howard. The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, sorely missed Yao Ming. Terry scored 31 points, and Dirk Nowitzki added 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Mavericks' 96-86 victory over the Rockets.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Boks pain lingers for Sackey | South China Morning Post
When England wing Paul Sackey lines up against South Africa tomorrow, he will do so as the "father of the backs" and the only survivor in that division from the World Cup final team against the Springboks 13 months ago. It has certainly been a dizzying rise for the 29-year-old, who thought he had missed the England boat before finally being summoned for his debut, against the All Blacks no less, as a late call-up for an injured Mark Cueto in November 2006.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Air smiles and free tickets on offer | South China Morning Post
Mark Twain said golf was a good walk spoiled, but spectators at Fanling are spoiled for choice. Apart from great golf, scenery and weather, spectators have the chance to wing their way to Dubai. Two Emirates cabin crew members, Janka Gregova from Slovakia and Elizabeth Tong from Hong Kong, have been promoting the airline by offering passers-by a red golf cap. On Sunday, they will select someone from the crowd wearing the cap who they feel has most entered into the spirit of the tournament. That person will win two return business-class tickets from Hong Kong to Dubai, plus two night's accommodation at the Harbour Hotel.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Griffiths shows his Midas touch with ace | South China Morning Post
Englishman Simon Griffiths couldn't believe he won the 1kg gold bar - valued at about US$24,000 - for his hole-in-one yesterday. The Asian Tour player feared someone else may have beaten him to the jackpot at the par-three 12th hole on the Composite Course.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Maradona puts win in perspective | South China Morning Post
Diego Maradona acknowledged there were things in life far more important than football even as he enjoyed the fulfilment of his long-held dream of coaching Argentina. Maradona hugged each of his 11 players as they walked off the pitch following the 1-0 win against Scotland - Maxi Rodriguez getting the first-half goal - but the gesture was as much for their support following his daughter's transfer to a Madrid hospital because of complications in her pregnancy.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Adu finally lives up to the hype with first goal | South China Morning Post
Freddy Adu has been hyped and heralded since the day he burst on to the soccer scene. However, extreme talent doesn't impress nearly as much as production. Adu scored his first goal as a member of the US team. Jozy Altidore also got on the scoresheet, leading the Americans to a 2-0 win over Guatemala in a World Cup qualifier.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Price is right for English couple | South China Morning Post
The perfect weather drew keen fans out of the office yesterday. >"We're good friends with [Phillip] Price's caddie, so we're following him around today," said Peter Troy, who made the journey from Discovery Bay with his wife, Susan. "I've been to around eight of these tournaments in the 11 years we've lived in Hong Kong," said Troy, who works in the logistics business. "Sometimes my business brings me here. Today we've also been guests of Emirates in their hospitality marquee."
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Realm of the tech heads | South China Morning Post
Hollywood movies have their back lots that are the real "engine rooms" of the production process. Golf tournaments follow the same formula. Just ask broadcast designer Claire Walters (pictured), who works for European Tour Productions.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Quinlan set to miss crucial Pumas test | South China Morning Post
Ireland's Alan Quinlan is set to miss tomorrow's test against Argentina, a match that could have a huge bearing on his country's 2011 World Cup campaign, after receiving a three-week ban on Wednesday for stamping. Quinlan was cited for stamping on New Zealand's Rodney So'oialo during Ireland's 22-3 defeat against the All Blacks at Croke Park last Saturday.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Danesis looks the part in final leg of Triple Trio | South China Morning Post
A fitter Danesis should relish a return to the all-weather track and have little trouble in bouncing back to his best in the final leg of Sunday's Triple Trio at Sha Tin. The Tony Cruz-trained colt resumed from a break three weeks ago and showed he was set for a successful season when camping outside the leader and battling on well to finish a close-up fifth to in-form Eyshal.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Rampant David too strong once again for Chiu | South China Morning Post
Hopes of a domestic triumph in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open ended yesterday with the defeat of Rebecca Chiu Wing-yin. Chiu (pictured) took a game off world number one Nicol David of Malaysia in the last 16 before losing 3-1 at Hong Kong Squash Centre. Despite the scoreline, it was Chiu's best recent performance against the Malaysian, who has now notched up 50 matches without defeat, and is looking forward to her 12th successive title win.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Ocean odyssey gets tougher as Somali pirates add to risk factor | South China Morning Post
Sailors in the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race have been warned about the danger of pirates off the coast of Somalia and will be monitored by warships patrolling the Indian Ocean, organisers said. The race is already considered to be one of the toughest endurance tests in the world, but this year there has been added concern because of increasing attacks by Somali pirates, sometimes very far out to sea.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Iverson revolution keeps rolling as Pistons end Cavaliers' streak | South China Morning Post
The Detroit Pistons are starting to show their potential with Allen Iverson, beating two of the NBA's best teams in less than a week. Iverson scored 23 points, and Rasheed Wallace had 10 of his 21 points during a fourth-quarter surge that gave Detroit a 96-89 victory over Cleveland that ended the Cavaliers' eight-game winning streak.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Oden makes first home appearance | South China Morning Post
A sellout crowd of 20,599 fans showed up at the Rose Garden to watch Greg Oden make his home debut with the Portland Trail Blazers. By the time Oden, sidelined all of last season by a knee injury, entered the game with 4:28 left in the first quarter, the show was already on in the Trail Blazers' 116-74 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Kate's a pro on and off the course | South China Morning Post
Sometimes people behind the scenes know their sport as well as the players. Fitting this bill is Kate Burton, who is working for Brand Rapport, the company charged with handling the PR for UBS during the event. Burton is a former Hong Kong and England international golfer, who used to play off a handicap of plus one. "My handicap is a bit shabby these days," says modest Kate. "I play off a two, as I'm too busy helping other people promote their game. My work in Asia involves commentary for the LPGA, as well as doing live player interviews for TV. This week, I am wearing a different hat in the corporate role of helping with the PR and conducting player interviews at client hospitality events," adds Kate, a former RTHK presenter who now lives in Singapore.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Puerto wife's threat | South China Morning Post
The wife of the doctor at the centre of Spain's biggest doping investigation says Spanish sports would be ruined if she revealed what she knows about drug use among athletes. Cristina Perez ran on Spain's 4x400m relay team at the 1992 Olympics. "I know what happened at Barcelona and I'm a Pandora's Box that, if opened one day, could bring down sport," she said. "But out of respect for my companions, the people who sacrificed so much, I'm staying quiet. Although I could speak out and ruin all those caught up in this little world."
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Liang snatches the lead - with a little help from his friends | South China Morning Post
China number one Liang Wenchong tuned out all the chitter-chatter from his "friends" yesterday to lead an Asian charge for opening-day honours at the 50th UBS Hong Kong Open. The leading money-winner on the Asian Tour last year, Liang began his Hong Kong campaign with a flourish as he shot a six-under-par 64 to take a one-stroke lead.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Sastre relishes Armstrong clash | South China Morning Post
Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre will be going head-to-head with Lance Armstrong at the Giro d'Italia next year. With Armstrong still undecided on competing in the Tour, the Giro guarantees at least one major race featuring the reigning Tour champion and the seven-time winner. Sastre had previously been uncommitted on the Giro.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Asian big guns earn vital World Cup wins | South China Morning Post
Australia, Japan and South Korea won their Asian World Cup qualifiers to move a step closer to booking their place for South Africa in 2010. Mark Bresciano's last-gasp goal gave Australia a 1-0 victory in Bahrain to maintain their perfect start to the campaign, while Japan thumped Qatar 3-0 away to move into outright second place in the group A standings.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| No more 'heroic' defeats for Scots, vows Barclay | South China Morning Post
Scotland forward John Barclay is desperate to help his side break their November international series duck by beating Canada here Saturday – if only to shake off their tag of gallant losers.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Talay to leave Fukuoka to join new A-League club | South China Morning Post
Midfielder Ufuk Talay will return from a stint in Japan to play in North Queensland Fury’s inaugural A-League team next year, the club said Friday.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Federer ends season with Blake revenge | South China Morning Post
Roger Federer breezed past James Blake in an exhibition match yesterday, exacting further revenge on his Olympic conqueror before taking a break ahead of the new season's start. Federer, who also beat Blake in a one-set clash in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week, was too strong for the American, showcasing his full range of shots in a 6-4, 6-4 win.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Brilliant Good Ba Ba peaking at the right time, warns Schutz | South China Morning Post
The bad news for rivals of reigning Horse of the Year Good Ba Ba in the countdown to Sunday's HK$3 million Cathay Pacific International Mile Trial is that his trainer Andreas Schutz believes he's in the same form as 12 months ago. Good Ba Ba is the only horse to achieve a grand slam of Hong Kong's four major mile races in the one season and the 2007 Mile Trial is where it all began for John Yuen Se-kit's colour bearer.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Woodcock gets all clear | South China Morning Post
New Zealand coach Graham Henry was able to name his strongest available side to play Wales after prop Tony Woodcock was cleared of a punching charge. Woodcock was sent to the sin bin and subsequently cited for throwing a punch during the All Blacks' 22-3 victory over Ireland at Croke Park last Saturday.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Aussies hot favourites for World Cup title, but coach wary of Kiwis | South China Morning Post
Everything points to an Australian victory over New Zealand in the World Cup final in Brisbane tomorrow. The Kangaroos outpointed the Kiwis 30-6 in the tournament opener on the way to amassing 180 points and conceding just 16 from their four bloated preliminary victories to reach the final at Lang Park.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| In Brief | South China Morning Post
India crafted a 16-run win in the shortened third one-day international against England in Kanpur yesterday to go 3-0 up in the seven-match series. Chasing a modest England total of 240, the home team were 198 for five after 40 overs when poor light forced an early end to the match, already reduced to 49 overs per side after a delayed start due to morning haze. The Indians were deemed to be ahead of the required total on the Duckworth/Lewis method. | | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Hatton targets British hat-trick against Malignaggi | South China Morning Post
IBO light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton will bid to complete a rousing hat-trick of British victories this month when he defends his title against Paulie Malignaggi at the MGM Grand on Saturday.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Campbell fears year over after shoulder injury | South China Morning Post
New Zealand's 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell feared his year may be over after a shoulder injury forced him out of the Hong Kong Open on Friday.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Zhou into quarters despite early stumble | South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's Zhou Mi survived an early stumble to defeat Salakjit Ponsana of Thailand 2-1 in the China Open Super Series in Shanghai yesterday. The world number one and top seed of the tournament won the second round match 18-21, 21-6, 21-15 to set up a quarter-final clash with Zhu Jingjing of China.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Roethlisberger leads Steelers to victory over Bengals | South China Morning Post
Ben Roethlisberger passed for 243 yards to lead the Steelers to a 27-10 win over division rivals the Cincinnati Bengals in snowy Pittsburgh conditions on Thursday.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Pacman reinstated but will have to make do without minders | South China Morning Post
Twice-suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones will be on his own in his return to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. This time, there will be no team-employed bodyguards to accompany Jones and try to keep him out of trouble. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the cornerback, who completed the inpatient portion of his NFL-ordered alcohol treatment in the Boston area, was being reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and should be eligible to play again after missing two more games.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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| Racing chance for Langer | South China Morning Post
Bernhard Langer was once the king of his sport, but it was the sport of kings that took his breath away on Wednesday night. The 1991 Hong Kong Open champ and his 18-year-old son Stefan (pictured), who is caddying for him this week, got their first taste of horse racing at Happy Valley.
| | November 21, 2008 12:00 |
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